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Lion Links: 5/25/23

Orlando City preps for another rivalry match, OCB visits Inter Miami II tonight, cupsets in the U.S. Open Cup, and more.

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3 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning! I’ve had a pretty busy week, but it also hasn’t been too bad as I’m housesitting for some friends and they have pets. It took some time, but I’ve earned the cat’s trust. Before we get to today’s news, we want to thank Paul Lott and John Strickland for their support in our Buy Me a Coffee premium membership program. We look forward to bringing you lots of extras to maximize your TML experience. Now, let’s get to the links!

What to Watch For in Orlando’s Rivalry Match

The Lions will play their sixth and final match of a hectic May when they host Atlanta United on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. It will be the first match between the two rivals this year and both teams have been leaning on their European strikers in recent weeks. Ercan Kara has scored in three straight matches for Orlando, while Greek forward Giorgos Giakoumakis scored a brace for Atlanta last week and has eight goals to his name this season. As for Orlando’s other Designated Players, Martin Ojeda leads the Lions in goal contributions this season and Facundo Torres could make his 50th start across all competitions for Orlando on Saturday. It should be an exciting rivalry match at Exploria Stadium.

Orlando City B Takes On Inter Miami II Tonight

The Young Lions are on the road but not far from home as they take on Inter Miami II tonight at 7 p.m. and you’ll be able to watch on MLS Season Pass. These two teams last met on April 9 at Osceola County Stadium, with OCB winning 2-0, thanks to goals from Jack Lynn and Favian Loyola. Lynn also came off the bench to bag a brace in OCB’s comeback draw with Atlanta United 2 on May 19. Midfielder Cristian Medina and forward Moises Tablante were also key attackers in that result. Hopefully the Young Lions can bring the firepower again tonight and return to Orlando with bragging rights and all three points.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Birmingham Legion Win in U.S. Open Cup

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup dream lives on for the USL Championship’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Birmingham Legion after they both defeated their MLS opponents to reach the quarterfinals. The Riverhounds beat the Columbus Crew 1-0 at home, with former OCB forward Albert Dikwa scoring the game’s only goal. In Alabama, the Legion won 1-0 against Charlotte FC, which had to play a man down for most of the second half after Adilson Malanda was given his second yellow card in the 51st minute. They are the only teams outside of MLS left in the competition.

MLS’s Diversity Stands Out Among Pro Leagues

MLS features players from over 81 different countries, making it the most geographically diverse men’s professional league in North America. It’s the second straight year that MLS has players from over 80 countries and it is also the most globally represented league among the top men’s soccer leagues around the world. Other than the U.S. and Canada, Argentina has the most representatives in MLS, with 37 players. MLS also has the youngest player pool among the top five men’s pro leagues in North America, with an average age of 26 years and 129 days old.

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  • Orlando Pride forward Amanda Allen was set to start for Canada in the Concacaf Women’s U-20 Championship, but the day’s games were postponed due to weather.
  • Bongokuhle Hlongwane won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his late winner over the Portland Timbers. Orlando’s Rafael Santos finished third with 9.8% of the vote, beating out Miami’s Leonardo Campana.
  • OL Reign Head Coach Laura Harvey stated that American midfielder Rose Lavelle may not feature for the club before the Women’s World Cup this summer due to her knee injury.
  • The Chicago Fire signed Homegrown Player Mauricio Pineda to a contract extension that will keep him in Chicago through the 2026 season, with an option for 2027 as well.
  • CF Montreal reached the Canadian Championship final after beating Forge FC 2-0.
  • D.C. United defender Mohanad Jeahze had his suspension lifted by MLS and can resume team activities.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/23/26

Orlando City wins big against Charlotte FC, Javier Otero receives praise, Young Lions sign short-term contracts, and more.

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21 hours ago

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April 23, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

We might have to start petitioning for all of Orlando City’s games to be moved to Wednesdays as the Lions have won a midweek game for the second consecutive week. This one was a much more exciting affair to boot, and it does feel a bit like a shot in the arm this morning. Let’s go ahead and get to the win and more in today’s links from around the soccer world.

Orlando City Crushes Charlotte FC

The Lions hosted Charlotte FC and claimed all three points in a 4-1 victory, snapping a four-game winless streak in league play. Luis Otavio scored his first goal as a Lion to give Orlando the lead, but Charlotte managed to equalize later in the first half. The second half belonged to Orlando though, as Martin Ojeda took over and Robin Jansson anchored the defense to prevent a comeback. It’s only the third time this year that the Lions have scored multiple goals in a match and hopefully they can keep that attacking momentum going when they travel to play D.C. United on Saturday.

Javier Otero Earns Praise After U.S. Open Cup Win

Orlando City goalkeeper Javier Otero came up with big saves to help the Lions win 1-0 against FC Naples in the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 32 earlier this month and his performance earned him a spot on the bench of the Team of the Round. He was also nominated for Save of the Round for his diving save to parry away a low strike, and voting will remain open until 8:30 p.m. tonight, so be sure to vote! Tyrese Spicer’s impressive strike wasn’t nominated for Goal of the Round, but you can vote on that award as well.

Young Lions Sign Short-Term Contracts

Orlando City B players Ignacio Gomez and Bernardo Rhein were signed to short-term contracts with the first team and both came off the bench for the Lions Wednesday night. Gomez, who made his MLS debut on Saturday, capitalized on his time on the field by scoring his first goal as a Lion. The pair of Young Lions will be available for Saturday’s game against D.C. United too, as the Lions are dealing with a rash of injuries that have tested their depth. Gomez is with Orlando on loan from Velez Sarsfield II, while Rhein has made 24 appearances with OCB as he continues to develop his game.

USWNT Will Face El Salvador in Concacaf W Championship

The schedule and matchups for this year’s Concacaf W Championship were revealed and the United States Women’s National Team will take on El Salvador in the quarterfinals on Nov. 27. This tournament will also notably serve as qualifying for both the 2027 Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. The four semifinalists will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the two finalists and third-place nation will secure an Olympic spot, though the U.S. already has as host. Orlando Pride forward Solai Washington and Jamaica will play against Costa Rica with a World Cup berth on the line, with the winner facing the victor between the U.S. and El Salvador in the semifinals.

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That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/22/26

Orlando City hosts Charlotte tonight, the Orlando Pride prep for Louisville trip, NWSL expansion coming to Columbus, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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April 22, 2026

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Image of Kaka celebrating a goal.
Nick Leyva, The Mane Land

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s match day for Orlando City. That’s as much a warning for your mental health as it is a notification if you decide to watch the match tonight. Perhaps you could catch up on Pluribus, or rewatch Ted Lasso. I’m simply saying you have options that might not raise your blood pressure. On a brighter note, join me in wishing Orlando City legend Kaká a very happy birthday. More on him below. Let’s get to the links.

Lions Host Charlotte Tonight

Orlando City is looking to rebound against Charlotte FC tonight at Inter&Co Stadium. It’s no secret that the Lions are having a rough time of it so far this season, and with Charlotte sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference, it doesn’t get any easier. That doesn’t stop Martin Perelman and the players from thinking they are getting better and having a plan for the match tonight. What was it Mike Tyson said about everyone having a plan? Can the Lions turn things around on short rest?

Orlando Pride Return to NWSL Play Friday

The Orlando Pride return to action Friday against Racing Louisville FC. The match is at Louisville where the Pride have yet to win. Despite that, the players are ready to pick up where they left off before the international break. The break provided much-needed rest for many of the players. The Pride will play six matches during the month of May before the league takes a break for the World Cup.

Osceola Heritage Park Expansion Funding Moves Forward

Osceola County leaders have agreed to have Orlando City expand the club’s footprint at Osceola Heritage Park. Orlando Sports Enterprises (OSE a.k.a. the Wilf family) will match the $25 million that the county is putting up for the project. OSE will assume repair, maintenance, and operating costs for the facility. A hotel and free-standing restaurant are also in the plans. This is a good investment for the club’s future in the arms race that is professional sports.

NWSL Coming to Columbus

The owners of the Columbus Crew have been awarded an NWSL franchise. The Haslam Sports Group paid a record $205 million expansion fee to obtain the 18th NWSL club. The new club will renovate and play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field downtown. The organization will also build a training center at McCoy Park that had previously been slated to be renovated for local residents, including features that would enable physically disabled people to use the park.

The NWSL called and Columbus answered 📞 Columbus joins the league as team No. 18!

— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) 2026-04-21T19:44:42.987Z

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That will do it for today. Check back later today for our coverage of the Orlando City match this evening. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 4/21/26

Takeaways from MLS matchday eight, USWNT stock watch, transfer rumor roundup, and more.

Published

3 days ago

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April 21, 2026

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Image of Ignacio Gomez making his MLS debut with Orlando City vs. Houston.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, everyone. It was a frustrating weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, as Orlando City lost a close game to the Houston Dynamo, and Orlando City B blew a two-goal lead against Carolina Core FC, and had to settle for the two points that come with a shootout victory after a draw. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on your viewpoint), OCSC will have a chance to get right back on the horse when Charlotte FC comes to town on Wednesday. We’ve got lots to talk about this morning, so let’s have a look at the links.

MLS Matchday Eight Takeaways

Major League Soccer’s eighth round of matches is in the books, and there are plenty of talking points to go over. The San Jose Earthquakes ended the weekend on an emphatic note by dismantling LAFC 4-1 on the road, adding to an impressive list of scalps that also includes the Vancouver Whitecaps and San Diego FC. They’re tied with Vancouver atop the Western Conference and continue to look like one of the league’s best teams. Meanwhile, Charlotte FC, Orlando City’s next opponent, kept things organized in a 4-4-2 block and scored from two of its three shots on goal to take down NYCFC 2-1. That result puts the club in third place in the Eastern Conference.

USWNT Stock Watch

The United States Women’s National Team wrapped up its three game slate against Japan over the weekend, so let’s check in on how the matches affected the standing of several players. Lindsey Heaps was name-dropped by Emma Hayes as having had a great run of three matches, while 20-year-old Claire Hutton wore the captain’s armband during the series and looked far more poised and ready than one would expect given her age. At the opposite end of the spectrum, winger Emma Sears struggled to make an impact in the final third, and while her speed makes her a tempting option to have in the squad, the depth at her position means she’s always going to face a battle for a place.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The summer transfer window will be here before we know it, and that means the rumors are already flying thick and fast. We begin with Arsenal, which is said to be interested in signing Julian Alvarez this summer, but will likely face competition from Barcelona. Speaking of Barcelona, club president Joan Laporta has reportedly held talks with Robert Lewandowski about extending his stay with the team, while the Chicago Fire also interested and reportedly having submitted a bid to the striker’s representatives. Liverpool is said to be ready to spend in excess of  €100 million to sign Red Bull Leipzig forward Yan Diomande as a replacement for the outgoing Mohamed Salah. Finally, center backs Hiroki Ito and Min-Jae-Kim could both reportedly leave Bayern Munich this summer if interested teams are willing to meet the German club’s valuations of them.

Jonathan Klinsmann Suffers Broken Neck

American goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann suffered a broken neck while playing for Serie B side Cesena on Saturday. The son of former United States Men’s National Team manager Jurgen Klinsmann, the shot stopper was stretchered off the field after colliding with a Palermo player and was diagnosed with a fractured first cervical vertebra after being taken to the hospital. Klinsmann confirmed on social media that his season is over, which will leave him unavailable for Cesena’s promotion push. The team is currently eighth in the second division, which is the final playoff promotion spot.

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That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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